Michael Gallup had a breakout second season in the NFL, displaying spectacular play-making ability all year long. His breathtaking leaps over defenders and stunning plays after the catch were awe-inspiring.
Gallup totaled 66 receptions for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns despite playing in just 14 games.
The Cowboys have always found talent in the draft, and they got another steal in Gallup. Dallas picked him 81st overall in 2018––the ninth receiver selected in his draft class.
The Cowboys made another splash in the 2020 draft when they took Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb. Outspoken owner Jerry Jones even chose to give the iconic No. 88 jersey to the rookie receiver. But Gallup showed nothing but class and support for his new teammate, tweeting out a welcome immediately after Lamb was drafted.
Let’s eat @_CeeDeeThree 🤞🏾 https://t.co/FfYk1XxUUt
— Michael Gallup (@michael13gallup) April 24, 2020
Gallup has always made noise on the field and allowed his play do the talking. He’s never been a distraction on the sidelines or off the field. Even so, Cowboy fans could overlook or forget about Gallup as sports media outlets hype up the new kid in town. All the attention directed toward Lamb will surely provide more motivation for Gallup this season.
Gotta rise above the noise 🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/ydoQiS4KSQ
— Michael Gallup (@michael13gallup) May 2, 2020
Though he had an unbelievable second season, Gallup’s critics have faulted him for his dropped passes and expressed doubt about his ability to lead a receiving core. He’ll need to continue his electrifying play and catch the ball more consistently to secure his future with the Cowboys and silence the media.
Amari Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb will pose a threat to any defense they face this season. Cooper, the Cowboys’ number one receiver, signed a five-year deal worth $100 million in March. The deal includes $40 million fully guaranteed and another $20 million guaranteed for injury if he’s still on the roster on the fifth day of the 2022 season. That’s a lot of money for a player that seemed to disappear in away games.
With the Cowboys’ new coaching staff and a 30% annual changeover rate in the NFL, the wide receiver depth chart could look different in a few years. But, at least for the next two seasons, the Cowboys will have three dynamic receivers at their disposal.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL has considered a number of contingency plans with Week 1 about four months away. The full league schedule is set to be released on May 9, but reports have stated that the NFL may delay the season for a week and remove bye weeks entirely. The terms of NFL contracts could also change if the season is delayed or postponed.
It’s also uncertain if fans will be allowed to attend games. League officials are discussing plans in which they could fill one-third or even half of stadiums. Super Bowl LV is still scheduled to be played on Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.
